The Seattle Sounders are hosting the LA Galaxy on Monday in their final home match of the 2021 regular season. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT at Lumen Field (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on TUDN, Twitter, FOX 13+ and Prime Video.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 1090 KJR AM and El Rey 1360AM.
2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Seattle: 17-8-7 (58 points, 2nd West), LA: 13-12-7 (46 points, 6th West)
PREVIOUS MEETINGS: The Sounders have won both of the two meetings between the teams this season. The Sounders defeated the Galaxy 3-0 in Seattle on May 2 before going to Dignity Health Sports Park and leaving 2-1 winners on June 19.
FORM GUIDE (most recent first): Sounders: LLDLW, Galaxy: LDWWD
FAN APPRECIATION MATCH, PRESENTED BY ZULILY: After a 2020 season without fans due to COVID-19, the Sounders are bringing back annual traditions associated with the club’s final regular-season home match. You can read more about the festivities HERE.
JOÃO PAULO RETURNS: Following a one-match suspension that he served for yellow-card accumulation in the club’s 3-0 loss at LAFC last week, Sounders midfielder João Paulo will be available on Monday. The Brazilian central midfielder has been indispensable for Seattle this season and is currently third in the MLS MVP Power Rankings.
THE JORDAN MORRIS COMEBACK IS ON: Speaking of returning, the Sounders will have the services of 2020 MLS Best XI attacker Jordan Morris, who has missed the entire season while recovering from an ACL injury. The recently 27-year-old Homegrown, who won 2019 MLS Comeback Player of the Year after a strong campaign following another ACL injury, has been cleared to play and “is going to feature in that game against the Galaxy,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer this week.
EVEN MORE REINFORCEMENTS: The Sounders have not fared well over their past four matches, taking just one point from 12 on offer. But with João Paulo back and Morris returning to the fold, Seattle also looks to have Nicolás Lodeiro in the starting lineup as well as the potential return of Raúl Ruidíaz, whose 16 goals are tied for second in MLS. Lodeiro has featured in just eight matches all season while battling multiple injuries and returned as a sub last week for the first time since Sept. 11. Ruidíaz, meanwhile, injured his hamstring while away with Peru on international duty but appears close.
CHICHA OR NOTHING: Javier “Chicharito” Hernández leads the Galaxy with 14 goals this season, which is nine more than his closest teammate. If the Sounders can keep Chicharito off the score sheet, like they did in their previous two matches this season, then Seattle will have a solid chance at grabbing a crucial three points.
DOWN TO THE WIRE: The Galaxy find themselves in the middle of a tight playoff race in the Western Conference. Just five points separate fourth place and hosting a playoff match and ninth place and missing out on the postseason entirely. LA will be desperate for points before a de facto play-in match on Decision Day at home against Minnesota United.
DEFENSIVE HOLES: The Galaxy have allowed 50 goals in 32 matches this season, which is four off the worst defensive record in the Western Conference. The Sounders have already scored five goals against them this year and will be looking for another multi-goal effort on Monday.
